AGP Executive Report

Parliament & Economy: President Emmerson Mnangagwa opened the new parliamentary session with a push to strengthen macroeconomic stability, citing gains in currency and exchange-rate confidence, plus a six-pillar drought resilience plan and renewed focus on mining exploration and mineral value addition. Tax & Revenue: Zimra says it collected US$4.71bn in H1 2026, 16.14% above target, driven by digitalisation, compliance enforcement and stronger border controls. Aquaculture Jobs Drive: Government, with EU support, is pushing fish value addition and better fingerlings—about 450 small-scale farmers in Masvingo are benefiting from the Maponga Fingerling Hub targeting one million fingerlings this season. Public Safety: Police arrested Scorpion Empire Car Sale owner Gilbert Rumbwere over the fatal Southerton dog attack that killed Malcom Muzawazi, warning dog owners to keep animals properly secured. Governance & Rights: Kariba and Binga residents have sued the Mnangagwa administration over the “woefully inadequate” Lake Kariba ferry after the Mbuya Nehanda capsizing. Politics: Zanu PF is moving to rewrite its constitution to align with Amendment 3, while constitutional court challenges to Mnangagwa’s tenure extension have been removed from the roll. Business & Skills: ZIBCO-UAE says Zimbabwe-UAE deal talks worth US$10m–US$200m are at advanced stages, and Bulawayo entrepreneurs dispute claims of a skills shortage.

Monetary Policy: RBZ cut the policy rate to 27.5% from 30%, citing stable inflation and a push to normalise rates gradually. Local Transport & Justice: Kariba residents sued government over a “woefully inadequate” ferry response after the Mbuya Nehanda disaster, arguing the replacement vessel is too small and unaffordable. Governance & Planning: Local Government boss Muguti criticised councils for licensing too many bottle stores and beerhalls instead of schools, clinics and productive services, warning growth points are being mishandled. Economy & Investment: Government says it has disbursed US$508m in Treasury Bonds and made cash payments to 623 white former commercial farmers. Regional Moves: Botswana withdrew from the joint 2028 AFCON bid, leaving South Africa and Zimbabwe to proceed. Trade & Industry: Manufacturing is said to be overtaking mining as a top GDP contributor, with capacity utilisation rising. Energy & Security: Zimbabwe and Angola signed a defence cooperation MoU. Environment & Jobs: Aquaculture is being pushed as a drought-resilience strategy amid El Niño fears. Gold Boom: Gold export receipts jumped 61% to US$2.6bn in eight months to August. Politics & Society: Ahead of SONA, Mnangagwa is set to outline the legislative agenda, while debate continues over constitutional direction and public monuments.

Defence ties: Angola and Zimbabwe signed a Defence and Security cooperation deal in Harare to boost training, technical-military exchange and joint exercises. Constitution fight: Tendai Biti says Zimbabwe is being pushed away from republican rule toward a monarchy as War Vets and others challenge Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 in court. Local governance crackdown: Chitungwiza’s Operation Chenesa demolished a notorious Makoni ZANU PF terror base and informal trading structures, raising fresh fears for displaced vendors. Economy & industry: Government is drafting a Local Content Strategy to incentivise local production and cut the import bill, while PPC Zimbabwe declared US$25m in dividends as earnings improve. Cost of living politics: Parliament heard questions over ZiG 515.1m pension compensation for pre-2009 losses, with private pension payouts still limited. Climate & farming: UNDP and the Green Climate Fund say climate investments are benefiting nearly 50,000 farmers, and farmers are urged to plan using rainfall realities. Regional water project: SA and Zimbabwe discuss a $500m Thuli Moswa Dam to supply Limpopo’s Musina-Makhado zone. Sports: PAMOJA 2027 AFCON qualifiers kick off with Zimbabwe hosting DR Congo in Harare; Bulawayo also begins Eastern suburbs development plan surveys.

State of the Nation Watch: President Mnangagwa is set to deliver the 2026 SONA and open the Fourth Session of the 10th Parliament at Mt Hampden on Tuesday, setting the legislative agenda for the new session. Local Contractors & Roads: Government says it will keep reserving major road projects for local firms and ring-fence Zinara funds to ease legacy debt, citing savings on projects like the Harare–Beitbridge Highway. Energy & Industry: Zimbabwe is moving toward commercialising Cabora Bassa gas, with Invictus Energy advancing plans for early gas supplies after signing a Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement and securing approvals. Economy & Exports: Gold export receipts jumped 61% to US$2.6bn in eight months to August, driven by higher prices and expanded production. Governance & Politics: Zanu PF has started a constitution overhaul to align with Constitution Amendment No. 3, ahead of its Chinhoyi conference. Culture & Unity: VP Mohadi linked culture to unity and growth at the Tshitaudze Heritage Festival, while the First Lady pushed Zimbabwe’s cultural and empowerment initiatives globally. Weather Alert: MSD warns of thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy downpours from Tuesday, with lightning and flash-flood risks. Environment Crackdown: The Forest Commission impounded 17 vehicles and seized charcoal and firewood in Matabeleland North enforcement actions. Regional Spotlight: South Africa and Zimbabwe are in talks over a proposed Thuli Moswa dam to supply water to the Musina-Makhado SEZ.

Traffic Enforcement Upgrade: Harare’s new AI traffic cameras have started issuing fines after recording more than four million violations, up from 2.3 million in mid-August, with offences including red-light running, speeding, illegal turns, unsafe passenger loading and phone use. Economic Policy Watch: The RBZ says Zimbabwe’s mono-currency plan is still blocked by reserve shortfalls, with Governor John Mushayavanhu pointing to eight conditions before any transition. Governance & Rights: Zimbabweans in the US staged a UN HQ demonstration in New York, presenting an 11-point memorandum demanding scrutiny of Constitutional Amendment No. 3 and an end to shrinking political space. Sports & Regional Football: Botswana has withdrawn from the 2028 AFCON hosting bid, leaving South Africa and Zimbabwe to proceed with CAF. Weather Alert: Zimbabwe’s Meteorological Services warns of strong winds, thunderstorms, lightning and rain in several districts this week. Business/Property: WestProp’s Millennium Heights (ED Block) won a top African property award in Cape Town.

HIV Funding Shock: The National AIDS Council urged Parliament to broaden domestic financing as US health support winds down, warning ARV access and prevention programmes could be disrupted this month. Public Health & Water Crisis: A parliamentary report flags Harare and Chitungwiza wastewater system collapse, with sewage dumping and failing treatment works threatening water bodies and public health. Urban Cleanup for COMESA: Harare is “sprucing up” ahead of the October 22 COMESA summit, with Operation Chenesa Harare targeting illegal vending and congestion. Road Overhaul: Government plans major Harare road upgrades including Simon Mazorodze interchanges and a flyover, plus an airport expressway to boost connectivity. Tax & Tourism Rules: ZIMRA explains the Domestic Minimum Top Up Tax (15% minimum) from 1 Jan 2026, while the Tourism Act sets up a Zimbabwe Tourism Fund and formalises short-term rentals like Airbnb. Sports & Football Tech: ZIFA kicks off preparations for VAR with FIFA experts, supported by Sakunda Holdings. Local Economy & Jobs: Innscor boosts Bulawayo bakery capacity with a new automated line and 2MW solar PV, while Matabeleland wages rise but formal employment growth lags.

Water Crisis: Parliament hears Harare and Chitungwiza’s wastewater system is collapsing, with sewage pump stations and treatment works overwhelmed and key failures like collapsed trunk pipelines at Amalinda Crossing driving a severe public health and environmental emergency. Police & Politics: Zimbabwe Republic Police reportedly ordered stations to arrest retired Assistant Inspector Tongai Fambi if he engages in politics, escalating tensions around his National Progressive Democrats activism. Football Governance: ZIFA kicks off plans to introduce VAR in Zimbabwe with FIFA experts and stakeholders, backed by Sakunda Holdings, aiming to modernise officiating and protect match integrity. ZANU PF Fundraising: ZANU PF targets US$6 million from the business community for its Chinhoyi conference, including a presidential fundraising dinner ahead of October 12–17. Media Shake-up: Zimpapers fires veteran journalists as it restructures across print, radio, TV and digital, part of a digital-first transformation. Culture: A mbira festival in Harare celebrates Zimbabwe’s UNESCO-recognised musical heritage, with performances blending music, dance and spirituality. Sports (Regional): Botswana pulls out of a proposed joint AFCON 2028 bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe after failing to secure required guarantees.

Supreme Court Ruling: Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court pierced the corporate veil in the Hwange Iganyana Tented Camp debt dispute, ordering Forever African (Private) Limited to pay US$418,950.69 after finding the companies acted “as a tug team” to shuffle liability. Water & Infrastructure: Bulawayo’s long-running water woes get a boost as Cowdray Park water treatment works move on site, feeding the city with 220 megalitres per day from the Gwayi-Shangani project. Parliament & Governance: President Mnangagwa is set to open the Fourth Session of the 10th Parliament on 29 September and deliver the State of the Nation Address, outlining the legislative agenda. UNGA81 & Diplomacy: Mnangagwa’s New York push put Zimbabwe’s AI and mineral beneficiation agenda in focus, while also renewing calls for sanctions removal. Health Funding Shock: The US will end funding for Zimbabwe’s health programmes at month-end after Zimbabwe rejected a US-linked health data-sharing deal. Sports & Culture: Warriors’ AFCON qualifier comeback story continues to build momentum, while Zimbabwe’s creative scene spotlights artists like Mylo Moyo and collectives such as Maddawgs. Public Order Debate: CHRA urged a “win-win” approach on Operation Chenesa Harare, warning heavy-handed vendor removals could harm livelihoods.

Traffic & Governance: Harare’s Town Clerk says a claim by the Chief Traffic Officer about Bulawayo Road closures for the AFCON match was false, with police instead stationed at key intersections around the National Sports Stadium. Anti-Corruption: Bulawayo Ward 26 Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo’s appeal over a US$20,000 cement-plant bribery conviction was dismissed. Tourism & Culture: Heritage Village in Harare will host 2026 World Tourism Day commemorations under a “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence” theme. Community Education: Rotary Club of Harare Central donated books to four Zvimba primary schools, pushing a drive to lift pass rates. Energy & Industry: Zimbabwe’s improved electricity stability (over 200 days without load shedding) is boosting production planning and cutting costs. Human Rights: UN Special Rapporteur on cultural rights Alexandra Xanthaki visits Zimbabwe from 28 Sept to 9 Oct, including Harare, Bulawayo, Binga and Victoria Falls. Health Funding Shock: The US will end funding for Zimbabwe health programmes at month-end after a breakdown over a proposed health data-sharing deal. Mining & Jobs: Bikita Minerals breaks ground on a tantalite-niobium recovery plant as Government checks beneficiation compliance. Local Finance Ideas: A Bulawayo councillor proposes a municipal bank to fund water infrastructure rehabilitation. Wildlife & Food Security: Southern Africa researchers clone wild fruit trees to protect biodiversity and incomes as forests disappear. Sports & Society: Zimbabwe’s Warriors squad named for LA28 qualifiers; Warriors coach Ramon Catala takes charge amid tight preparations.

UN Diplomacy: President Mnangagwa’s UNGA81 speech drew mixed reactions online after resurfacing images of an “empty hall,” even as he pushed for AI-led narrowing of inequalities, sanctions relief, UN Security Council reform for Africa, and Zimbabwe’s 2027-28 UNSC bid. Politics & Identity: ZANU-PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa dismissed “monarchy” claims tied to Munhumutapa Day as “absolute nonsense,” insisting Zimbabwe remains a republic. Justice & Corruption: Human rights lawyer Doug Coltart warns recipients of Wicknell Chivayo-linked luxury cars could face up to 25 years in jail and US$500,000 fines under Zimbabwe’s anti-money laundering laws. Public Safety: Police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide in Harare’s Glen View, while a separate Harare crash left at least three dead and 19 injured. Food Aid Integrity: Government warned officials against corruption and unfair targeting as Zimbabwe prepares for another lean season and food distribution. Information Rights: Zimbabwe marked International Day for Universal Access to Information with a push for timely, understandable access for all. Health Funding: The US ends health programmes in Zimbabwe after the government declined a bilateral health MOU, with a transition to handover plans. Local Economy & Trade: Bulawayo vendors face a new 6pm CBD trading deadline, and contractors risk 30% withholding tax if they lack ZIMRA tax clearance certificates. Industry & Skills: FS Mining outlined a US$500m mining-and-energy push in Mberengwa, while 31 Zimbabweans graduated from a China-Africa vocational programme in Ningbo. Environment: Zimbabwe’s ratification helped drive the High Seas Treaty to 100 parties, setting up marine protection decisions from January 2027.

Anti-money laundering warning: Human rights lawyer Doug Coltart says anyone who accepted Wicknell Chivayo’s luxury vehicles could face up to 25 years in jail if the gifts are linked to proceeds of crime. Urban vending squeeze: Bulawayo vendors fear a new 6pm CBD trading deadline will cut customers and income, while government says it’s about regulating public spaces. Bulawayo tax hit: City contractors and community groups face a 30% withholding tax deduction if they can’t produce Zimra tax clearance certificates. Road safety: A Harare kombi-truck crash killed 3 and injured 19 in Willowvale. Water and WASH focus: Bulawayo hosts the Zimbabwe Water Indaba as officials push innovation and warn illegal settlements drive up WASH delivery costs. HIV prevention results: NAC’s BCCM model is credited with reducing new STIs in Chikomba. Tourism push: Zimbabwe seeks to use CNN’s global reach to boost arrivals and investment. Politics and gifts row: Fadzayi Mahere mocks Apostle Chipoyera after he branded criticism of Mnangagwa “demonic,” reigniting debate over Chivayo-linked donations. Health funding: UNGA pledges top US$715m for reproductive and maternal health, with Zimbabwe among countries committing resources. Sports: Proteas and Australia ODI action continues in Durban.

UN Development & Minerals: UN chief Antonio Guterres launched a support mechanism to help mineral-rich developing countries turn critical energy minerals into jobs, with Guinea, Indonesia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe among the first beneficiaries. Road Safety Push: Zimbabwe launched the National Speed Monitoring System in Harare, backed by speed-limiting devices for public service vehicles and a grace period to help operators comply. Drought & Food Security: Government began rolling out a six-pillar response plan for the 2026-27 season, including climate-smart farming, livestock protection and strengthening grain reserves ahead of El Niño-linked below-normal rainfall. Economic Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira met US Assistant Secretary Frank Garcia in New York to deepen commercial ties and create more predictable trade channels. Local Jobs & Skills: Bulawayo’s Fairgrounds Retail Centre project is underway, but contractors warn of a shortage of skilled artisans like electricians, plumbers and bricklayers. Governance Pressure: Pressure is mounting over the hidden Uchena land report, with critics questioning why the full findings remain unpublished. Culture & Fashion: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa’s UN engagements opened doors for Zimbabwe’s fashion and creative industries to access international markets. International Security: Zelenskyy urged India and 46 other countries, including Zimbabwe, to stop citizens being recruited into Russia’s war through “deception and tricks.” Crime & Cartels: South Africa-linked reporting says Mexican cartel “tourists” were allegedly chemists setting up a meth lab on a game farm near Swartruggens.

Road Safety & Digital Enforcement: Government has launched the National Speed Monitoring System to curb speeding and reckless driving, using tech like speed monitoring and red-light violation detection, with police speed-traps and nationwide blitzes now back. Local Economy & Industry: Bulawayo’s revival is gathering pace as officials assess major projects including the Fairgrounds Retail Centre at ZITF, the Bulawayo Textile Manufacturing Centre, and Delta’s US$35m brewhouse. Trade & Jobs: ZimTrade’s Shop@Zim Buyers’ Forum is set for November 2–6 in Bulawayo and Harare, aiming to connect exporters with international buyers and push value addition. Currency Push: The RBZ says ZiG now accounts for about 43% of transactions, while admitting banks still can’t lend effectively. ConCourt Politics: Liberation war veterans’ bid for direct access to challenge the presidential vote changes under Constitutional Amendment No. 3 is reserved for judgment. Humanitarian Warning: WHO classifies El Niño’s health impact for Africa as a Grade Three emergency, with Zimbabwe flagged among high-risk areas.

Chirundu Border Upgrade: Zimbabwe secured funding for a $65m-plus modernisation of the Chirundu One Stop Border Post with Zambia, with construction expected to start in October to cut delays on the vital Copperbelt trade route. Court & Finance: The High Court fined National Building Society (NBS) US$10,000 for contempt after it refused to hand back a US$5m Treasury Bill despite a court order. Health Funding Shock: The US says it will end all health programme funding in Zimbabwe at month-end, citing respect for Harare’s decision to decline a new health MoU. Trade Finance Boost: Afreximbank and ATDC signed a $500m facility to expand commodity trading, warehousing and distribution across Africa. Governance & Rights: War veterans seek a direct Constitutional Court hearing over changes to presidential voting, while a human rights report documents 137 violations in August. Football Tech: Zifa moves toward VAR rollout after a FIFA workshop, with training planned ahead of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup. Integrity in Focus: Lawyer Prof Lewis Uriri publicly rejected Wicknell Chivayo’s vehicle and cash gifts, sparking debate on ethics and “tainted gifts” in Zimbabwe.

VAR rollout in Zimbabwe football: ZIFA has started preparations for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) with FIFA support, aiming for first use in the Chibuku Super Cup final on 16 November 2026 and later stages of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, after referee training begins 25 October. Public safety warning: Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned the public about a fraudulent “Smart Traffic” website claiming links to ZRP, urging people not to register, pay, or share sensitive details. Food security planning: Government and development partners met in Kadoma to review the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and Lean Season Assistance, with officials warning against corruption and unfair distribution as El Niño threatens below-normal rainfall. Local governance and services: Mashonaland East Minister Itayi Ndudzo commissioned four buses for civil servants on key routes, while Mutare prepares a multi-agency clean-up targeting illegal vending and unlicensed operations. Economy and jobs: The RBZ challenged banks to turn savings into credit for SMEs via the ZiG Term Deposit Facility, and the ILO warned of a worsening global youth jobs crisis. Politics and ethics: Bulawayo’s Alderman Rodney Jele was granted bail pending extortion trial, and Wicknell Chivayo responded after lawyer Lewis Uriri rejected his gifts, saying there’s “no grudge and no drama.” Diaspora debate: Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans in exile to “rescue” the economy, reframing emigration as “brain circulation.” Tourism and business: Banyan Group moved to acquire a majority stake in Newmark Hotels & Reserves, expanding its African hospitality footprint.

PSL Transfer Window: Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League clubs wrapped up mid-year business as the window closed, with major ins and outs across teams like Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs. Workplace Rights: A sexual-harassment dispute at Proton Bakers in Marondera escalated to the UFAWUZ, leading to the dismissal of a senior manager. Football Funding: ZIFA boss Nqobile Magwizi warned Zimbabwean football risks getting stuck in “survival mode” unless grassroots and long-term player development get sustainable funding. VAR Rollout: ZIFA says VAR is at an advanced stage, with referee training set to start on October 25. Monetary Shift: RBZ reports ZIG usage has climbed to about 43%, aiming to deepen long-term capital for lending. Urban Crackdown: Harare’s Operation Chenesa Final hit 2,475 illegal businesses since September 9, including 201 vending cases in the latest round. Water Security: Government is accelerating dam work, with Gwayi-Shangani at 82% and Kunzvi at 74% completion. Health Logistics: Zimbabwe clears drones for medical deliveries beyond visual line of sight, cutting travel time to about 30 minutes. Legal/Property: High Court orders Ignatius Chombo to share Allan Grange Farm lease rights with ex-wife Marian. Business & Tourism: Rainbow Tourism Group cites donor funding losses and delayed payments as it reports revenue pressure in 2025. Regional Trade: Afreximbank and ATDC sign a $500m facility to boost intra-African trade and distribution.